Proverbs 9:10 The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom: and the knowledge of the holy is understanding.
This passage of scripture tells us how true knowledge is obtained, by having the fear of the Lord ever before our faces. The passage has nothing to do with being afraid of God, for the Bible also teaches us that perfect love casts out fear. It therefore has to do with a knowledgeable relationship with our Creator, and this is accomplished by studying the life and character of God as manifested in Christ Jesus throughout the scriptures, and also the observance and understanding of the laws and statutes He has given us to live by.
The two methods of obtaining a practical knowledge of God just described cannot be divorced from each other, or else a lopsided view and understanding of God will inevitably be the result. For instance, if we were to only study the life of Christ as is recorded in the scriptures, we would most likely conclude that God is love, and that's a good thing, but that information alone does not address the requirement of obedience on our part in response to the good knowledge thus obtained.
In other words we can have a favorable view of God without actually obeying His commands, and it's a sad testimony of our times, that this is exactly what has occurred in the minds of millions of Christians, who understand clearly that God is love, but who in the same breath claim that obedience to His commandments are not necessary. The Bible therefore goes on to explain in greater detail, what is included in having the fear of the Lord in our minds. Let's read:
Proverbs 8:13 The fear of the Lord is to hate evil: pride, and arrogancy, and the evil way, and the froward mouth, do I hate.
Knowing that Jesus is love is one thing, but the indulgence of pride and arrogancy on our part is another, for if we harbor these evils while claiming to know God, then our knowledge of Him becomes only superficial in nature, not being translated into actual godly living. In other words, an intellectual knowledge of Christ in and of itself, is of no value if it is not coupled with obedience. Let's read again:
Psalms 19:7 The law of the Lord is perfect, converting the soul: the testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple. 8 The statutes of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart: the commandment of the Lord is pure, enlightening the eyes. 9 The fear of the Lord is clean, enduring for ever: the judgments of the Lord are true and righteous altogether. 10 More to be desired are they than gold, yea, than much fine gold: sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb. 11 Moreover by them is thy servant warned: and in keeping of them there is great reward.
In our day we need to follow closely, the teachings of the Bible in its entirety, if we would not be swayed or deceived by the maxims and teachings of those who are not led by the Spirit of God. Recently there was an article written for CNN, in which a prominent minister and theologian stated emphatically that because Christ manifested His love for the human family in dying on the cross for our sins, we are now at liberty to eat swine and lobsters and to drink wine and alcoholic beverages etc. This misunderstanding of the counsels of God, is a direct result of that one-sided view previously mentioned, which separates God's loving character from his requirement that we obey His every word. But the same Bible that reveals God's love, also teaches us how true love is defined as it pertains to God and our fellowmen. Let's read:
1st John 2:3 And hereby we do know that we know him, if we keep his commandments. 4 He that saith, I know him, and keepeth not his commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him. 5 But whoso keepeth his word, in him verily is the love of God perfected: hereby know we that we are in him.
We sincerely hope and pray that the "Fear of the Lord" as is written in the Bible will not be distorted in our minds through erroneous or unbalanced teachings, and if it has been, the Lord gives a promise to all honest-hearted people everywhere, that sufficient knowledge and understanding will be given to all who truly desire to follow in the footsteps of the Master. we therefore end with a passage of scripture that reiterates that promise. Let's read:
James 1:5 If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him. 17 Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning. 25 But whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty, and continueth therein, he being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, this man shall be blessed in his deed.
May god bless the study and doing of His word in our lives. "Good night" and God bless!